Aunt fronts court for alleged torture

A YOUNG woman, who allegedly tortured her six-year-old nephew with a hot knife and burning matches, is facing trial in a Brisbane court.

Police allege the woman deliberately caused "physical and emotional harm" to her nephew while he and his siblings were in her care for a week in May, 2010.

She has pleaded not guilty to charges of torture, deprivation of liberty and assault occasioning bodily harm.

The court heard one of the boy's older sisters would give evidence that the woman taped the boy's mouth, repeatedly burned him with a knife and lit matches, bound him "tightly" with rope and locked him in a shed.

The boy was treated for injuries to his back, face, arms and genitals at the Royal Children's Hospital.

When interviewed by police the woman allegedly said the boy's injuries were as a result of a fall at a party and an accident involving hot water in the shower.

Doctors are expected to be called to give evidence that the injuries were consistent with burns and "rubbing from a rope" in the trial which continues tomorrow.